Light irradiation device and method for controlling light irradiation device

Abstract

A control unit (30) of a light irradiation device (100) performs control that causes identification light (90) to be emitted from each of a plurality of light output ports (12) and thereby causes a plurality of lightguide members (20) that are respectively connected to the plurality of light output ports to light up in an identifiable manner.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a light irradiation device and a method for controlling a light irradiation device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a light irradiation device used in a treatment method for performing treatment by irradiating a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light is known. Such a light irradiation device is disclosed, for example, in International Publication No. 2021 / 038913.

[0003] The above-mentioned International Publication No. 2021 / 038913 discloses a light irradiation device used in photoimmunotherapy treatment. Photoimmunotherapy is a treatment method in which a drug containing a fluorescent substance that causes a photochemical reaction and an antibody that selectively binds to cancer cells is administered into the body of a cancer patient, and the cancer cells are irradiated with light of a specific wavelength band corresponding to the fluorescent substance, thereby causing a photochemical reaction and destroying the cancer cells. The light irradiation device includes an excitation light source that irradiates light of a specific wavelength band corresponding to the fluorescent substance (hereinafter referred to as therapeutic light), and an optical fiber that guides the therapeutic light to the cancer cells. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2021 / 038913 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Although not disclosed in WO 2021 / 038913, multiple optical fibers that guide therapeutic light from the excitation light source may be used depending on the size of the area to be treated. The optical fiber is a thin and long cable-like light guide member that is routed from the light output port of the excitation light source to the patient. Therefore, when multiple light guide members are used, it may be difficult to identify which light output port each light guide member is connected to, due to the multiple light guide members becoming entangled between the light output port and the patient. If it is not known which light output port the light guide member is connected to, it becomes difficult to set the intensity of the therapeutic light emitted from each light guide member and to adjust the intensity of the therapeutic light to match the set value.

[0006] In addition, the therapeutic light emitted from the light-guiding member is a high-intensity (high-output) laser light, and workers involved in the treatment must wear light-blocking glasses that block light in the wavelength range including the therapeutic light to protect their eyes from the laser light. Therefore, even if the therapeutic light is emitted from the light-guiding member to check the connection with each optical output port, it is difficult to visually confirm the therapeutic light through the light-blocking glasses. Therefore, prior to the treatment, a complicated task of untangling the multiple light-guiding members is required, which inconveniently lengthens the preparation time required before the start of treatment.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one object of the present invention is to provide a light irradiation device and a control method for a light irradiation device that make it possible to easily identify which light output port each light-guiding member is connected to. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above object, a light irradiation device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a light irradiation device for irradiating therapeutic light to a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitive substance has been administered, the light irradiation device comprising: a light source unit including a plurality of light output ports and configured to be able to emit therapeutic light and identification light having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light from each of the plurality of light output ports; a plurality of light-guiding members each having an incident end connected to any of the plurality of light output ports of the light source unit and an exit end for emitting light incident from the incident end; and a control unit configured to control the light source unit, the control unit configured to control the plurality of light-guiding members connected to each of the plurality of light output ports to be identifiably illuminated by emitting the identification light from each of the plurality of light output ports.

[0009] A method for controlling a light irradiating device according to a second aspect of the present invention is a method for controlling a light irradiating device for irradiating a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light, the method comprising the steps of: A control unit of the light irradiation device a step of emitting an identification light having an intensity lower than that of the therapeutic light from each of the plurality of light output ports to which the plurality of light guide members are connected, thereby illuminating the plurality of light guide members connected to each of the plurality of light output ports in an identifiable manner; The control unit: and emitting the therapeutic light from each of the plurality of optical output ports. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the present invention, as described above, by emitting an identification light having a lower intensity (low output) than the therapeutic light from each of the multiple light output ports, the multiple light guide members connected to each of the multiple light output ports are controlled to be identifiably lit. For example, the multiple light output ports are caused to emit an identification light separately one by one, or the multiple light output ports are caused to emit identification lights having different lighting patterns (such as blinking speeds) simultaneously. This makes it possible to confirm which of the multiple light guide members the identification light from each light output port has been emitted from. At this time, since the light guide member emits an identification light having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light, the identification light can be confirmed without using light-shielding glasses. As a result, even if the multiple light guide members are entangled, it is possible to easily identify which light output port each light guide member is connected to by the identification light. This also makes it possible to shorten the preparation time required before starting treatment. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a light irradiation device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which identification light is emitted from a light guide member connected to a light source unit. FIG. [Diagram 3] 1A is a schematic diagram showing a front emission type light guiding member and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing a peripheral emission type light guiding member. [Figure 4] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a light source unit included in the light source section. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing light blocking glasses. [Figure 6] 4 is a block diagram for explaining the configuration of a control unit of the light irradiation device. FIG. [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an operation reception screen displayed on a display unit; FIG. [Figure 8] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a turn-on / off pattern of an identification light for each optical output port. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling the light irradiation device. [Figure 10]13 is a flowchart showing an output process of an identification light. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example in which a therapeutic light (A) and an identification light (B) are generated by a first light source. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] The configuration of a light irradiation device 100 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0014] 1 is a light irradiation device for irradiating a treatment target site 101a of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light 80. In this embodiment, the light irradiation device 100 used in photoimmunotherapy will be described.

[0015] Photoimmunotherapy is a treatment technique in which a cancer patient is administered a drug containing a fluorescent substance that causes a photochemical reaction and an antibody that selectively binds to cancer cells, and the cancer cells are then irradiated with therapeutic light of a specific wavelength range corresponding to the fluorescent substance, causing a photochemical reaction and destroying the cancer cells.

[0016] In photoimmunotherapy, a drug 102 is administered into the body of a cancer patient 101 before treatment. The drug 102 includes a conjugate of a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence and an antibody. The cancer patient 101 is an example of a "subject" in the claims. The cancer patient 101 may also be an animal other than a human.

[0017] A fluorescent substance is a substance that undergoes a photochemical reaction when continuously irradiated with light of a specific wavelength band. In photoimmunotherapy (a treatment for killing cancer cells by irradiating a drug 102 containing a fluorescent substance with light of a specific wavelength band), a treatment target site 101a of the cancer patient 101 is irradiated with therapeutic light 80 of a specific wavelength band that induces a photochemical reaction in the fluorescent substance corresponding to the type of fluorescent substance in the drug 102 administered to the cancer patient 101 by a light irradiation device 100. The treatment target site 101a is, for example, the head and neck, chest, abdomen, back, internal organs (e.g., digestive tract, liver, adrenal gland, etc.), but is not limited thereto.

[0018] The fluorescent substance is a substance that is excited and emits fluorescence when irradiated with the therapeutic light 80. The fluorescent substance is, for example, a chemical substance such as IRDye (registered trademark) 700DX (hereinafter referred to as "IR700"). IR700 is excited by light with a wavelength of 600 nm or more and 700 nm or less, and emits light with a wavelength of about 700 nm or 770 nm as fluorescence.

[0019] The therapeutic light 80 is in a wavelength range that causes a photochemical reaction of the fluorescent substance in the therapeutic drug 102 and varies depending on the type of fluorescent substance in the therapeutic drug 102. When IR700 is used as the fluorescent substance, the therapeutic light 80 is light with a wavelength of 600 nm or more and 700 nm or less, for example, non-thermal red light (near-infrared light) with a wavelength of about 690 nm.

[0020] The antibody contained in the drug 102 selectively binds to an antigen of a cancer cell (a specific protein expressed in a cancer cell). Therefore, the antibody is selected according to the antigen of the cancer cell to be treated. The antibody is, for example, cetuximab.

[0021] The drug 102 is administered to the cancer patient 101 before the irradiation of the therapeutic light 80. The drug 102 administered to the cancer patient 101 circulates through the body of the cancer patient 101 through the bloodstream and selectively binds to the antigens of the cancer cells present in the treatment target site 101a through the antibody. The fluorescent substance of the drug 102 absorbs light of a specific wavelength band according to the fluorescent substance, causing a photochemical reaction and changing the chemical structure of the fluorescent substance. This change in the chemical structure of the fluorescent substance causes a change in the three-dimensional structure of the antibody. The change in the three-dimensional structure of the antibody bound to the cancer cell damages the cell membrane of the bound cancer cell. As a result, the cancer cell expands and bursts due to water entering through the damaged part of the cell membrane of the cancer cell, and the cancer cell is destroyed (dead). The fluorescent substance no longer emits fluorescence after the change in chemical structure due to the photochemical reaction.

[0022] In this embodiment, near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is described in particular in which a drug 102 using IR700, which is sensitive to near infrared light, is used as a fluorescent substance, and near infrared light is used as therapeutic light 80; however, photoimmunotherapy is not limited to this.

[0023] (Configuration of the light irradiation device) As shown in Fig. 1, the light irradiation device 100 is configured to output therapeutic light 80 in a specific wavelength band corresponding to a fluorescent substance contained in a drug 102 used in photoimmunotherapy. The light irradiation device 100 includes a light source unit 10, a plurality of light-guiding members 20, and a control unit 30. In the example of Fig. 1, the light irradiation device 100 further includes a light detection unit 40, a display unit 51, a first operation unit 52, and a second operation unit 53.

[0024] The light source unit 10 includes a plurality of light output ports 12. The light source unit 10 is configured to be able to emit therapeutic light 80 and identification light 90 (see FIG. 2) from each of the plurality of light output ports 12.

[0025] The therapeutic light 80 is light of a first wavelength included in the absorption wavelength band of a fluorescent substance contained in a drug 102 administered to the body of a cancer patient 101 in photoimmunotherapy. The therapeutic light 80 of the first wavelength is absorbed by the fluorescent substance, thereby exciting the fluorescent substance and generating a photochemical reaction.

[0026] On the other hand, the identification light 90 (see FIG. 2 ) is light for identifying the light-guiding member 20 connected to each of the plurality of light output ports 12. As described later, the light-guiding member 20 is a cable-like member that is routed from the light output port 12 to the cancer patient 101 on the bed 103. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 , the plurality of light-guiding members 20 connected to the plurality of light output ports 12 may become entangled with each other. In this case, it is difficult for the operator to determine which light-guiding member 20 is connected to which light output port 12. The connection relationship between the light-guiding member 20 and the light output port 12 is confirmed by turning on the identification light 90. The identification light 90 is light with a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80. In this embodiment, the identification light 90 is light with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In other words, the identification light 90 is light with a different color from the therapeutic light 80.

[0027] The light output port 12 is an outlet for the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90, and is also a connection port for the light-guiding member 20. One light-guiding member 20 is connected to one light output port 12. The number of light output ports 12 is not particularly limited as long as there is more than one. In the example of FIG. 1, the light source unit 10 includes four light output ports 12. Each of the multiple light output ports 12 is configured to output light (the therapeutic light 80 and / or the identification light 90) to the incident end 21 of the light-guiding member 20 connected to that light output port 12. A port number is assigned to each of the multiple light output ports 12. In the example of FIG. 1, the four light output ports 12 are distinguished from one another as "port 1" to "port 4."

[0028] The light source section 10 includes a plurality of light source units 11. The plurality of light source units 11 are provided in the same number as the light output ports 12, and each light source unit 11 has one light output port 12.

[0029] Each of the light source units 11 includes a first light source 13a (see FIG. 4) that generates the therapeutic light 80 and a second light source 13b (see FIG. 4) that generates the identification light 90 (see FIG. 2). The light source units 11 can emit the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 independently of each other. Thus, the light source unit 10 is configured to emit the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 independently of each other from the multiple light output ports 12. The light source unit 10 is also capable of individually switching between starting and stopping the emission of the therapeutic light 80 from each of the multiple light output ports 12. Similarly, the light source unit 10 is configured to individually switch between starting and stopping the emission of the identification light 90 from each of the multiple light output ports 12.

[0030] The light guiding member 20 has a function of guiding light emitted from the light output port 12 to the treatment target site 101a by being connected to any one of the light output ports 12 of the light source unit 10. A plurality of light guiding members 20 are connected to the plurality of light output ports 12 one by one. The light guiding members 20 are disposable consumables. The maximum number of light guiding members 20 that can be simultaneously connected to the light source unit 10 is the number of light output ports 12. The number of light output ports 12 used simultaneously (i.e., the number of light guiding members 20) is determined according to the treatment content. In FIG. 1, a total of four light guiding members 20 are connected to four light output ports 12, one each.

[0031] Each light-guiding member 20 has an incident end 21 connected to one of the plurality of light output ports 12 of the light source unit 10, and an exit end 22 that emits light incident from the incident end 21. The light-guiding member 20 is an optical fiber cable that connects the incident end 21 and the exit end 22. The exit end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 is composed of a light diffusion member (light diffuser). There are several types of light-guiding members 20 according to the type (structure) of the light diffusion member that constitutes the exit end 22. As shown in FIG. 3(A), one type of light-guiding member 20 is a forward emission type that emits light in a cone beam shape (or polygonal pyramid shape) by diffusing light at a predetermined irradiation angle 26 toward the forward direction perpendicular to the end face of the exit end 22. The forward emission type light-guiding member 20 is mainly used for irradiating the therapeutic light 80 from outside the body of a cancer patient 101 toward the body surface.

[0032] As shown in Fig. 3(B), another type of light-guiding member 20 is a circumferential emission type that emits light in a ring shape (or a cylinder shape) by diffusing light from the outer circumferential surface of a cylindrical light diffusing member in a radial direction perpendicular to the outer circumferential surface. The circumferential emission type light-guiding member 20 is mainly used for irradiating a treatment target site 101a from inside a cancer patient 101 by inserting an emission end 22 into the body of the cancer patient 101. Fig. 1 shows an example of a circumferential emission type light-guiding member 20 in which an emission end 22 is inserted into the body of the cancer patient 101.

[0033] 1, the control unit 30 is a computer configured to control the light source unit 10. The control unit 30 is configured to perform a therapeutic light irradiation process for controlling the light source unit 10 to emit therapeutic light 80 from the emission end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 during photoimmunotherapy. The control unit 30 controls the multiple light source units 11 individually, thereby individually controlling the start and end of irradiation of therapeutic light 80 (switching ON / OFF of irradiation of therapeutic light 80) for each of the multiple light output ports 12.

[0034] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to perform control (light-guiding member identification process) to identifiably light up the light-guiding members 20 connected to the plurality of light output ports 12 by emitting an identification light 90 (see FIG. 2) from each of the plurality of light output ports 12. The control unit 30 controls the plurality of light source units 11 individually, and thereby can individually control the start and stop of emission of the identification light 90 (switching ON / OFF of emission of the identification light 90) for each of the plurality of light output ports 12.

[0035] The control unit 30 is also configured to execute a calibration process for adjusting the emission intensity of the therapeutic light 80 at each of the multiple light output ports 12 based on the detection result of the light detection unit 40 .

[0036] The light detection unit 40 is configured to receive any one of the exit ends 22 of the multiple light-guiding members 20 and detect light (therapeutic light 80) output from the exit end 22. The light detection unit 40 outputs a signal according to the intensity of the detected light to the control unit 30. The light detection unit 40 includes a light input port 41 to which the exit end 22 is connected (inserted).

[0037] The control unit 30 is configured to control the screen display of the display unit 51 and to execute control in response to operations input to the first operation unit 52 and the second operation unit 53 .

[0038] The display unit 51, under the control of the control unit 30, displays a screen for inputting setting information 32b (see FIG. 6) of the light irradiation device 100, a screen for operating the light irradiation device 100, etc. The display unit 51 is composed of a display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL display.

[0039] The first operation unit 52 accepts an operation input to an input screen (GUI) displayed on the display unit 51. The first operation unit 52 is, for example, a touch panel provided on the display unit 51. That is, the display unit 51 and the first operation unit 52 configure a touch panel display. The first operation unit 52 outputs a signal according to the accepted operation input to the control unit 30.

[0040] The second operation unit 53 is connected to the control unit 30 and is configured to receive an input for starting and stopping irradiation of the therapeutic light 80. The second operation unit 53 is configured by an input device such as a foot switch or a hand switch.

[0041] (Configuration of light source unit and light detection section) 4 shows the configuration of one of the plurality of light source units 11 included in the light source section 10. Since the plurality of light source units 11 have the same configuration, one of the light source units 11 will be described here.

[0042] The light source unit 11 includes an optical output port 12, a first light source 13a, a second light source 13b, an optical element 14, an optical element 15, a light receiving section 16, and a drive circuit section 17.

[0043] The first light source 13a and the second light source 13b are each a laser light source. Each of the first light source 13a and the second light source 13b is formed, for example, by a semiconductor laser element. The first light source 13a outputs therapeutic light 80 with a first wavelength. The second light source 13b outputs identification light 90 with a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. The first light source 13a and the second light source 13b output the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 toward the optical element 14, respectively.

[0044] The optical element 14 is configured to guide the light incident from the first light source 13a and the light incident from the second light source 13b to the optical element 15. In the example of Fig. 4, the optical element 14 is configured to transmit the therapeutic light 80 from the first light source 13a and emit it to the optical element 15, and to reflect the identification light 90 from the second light source 13b and emit it to the optical element 15. The optical element 14 is composed of a mirror member such as a dichroic mirror or a half mirror.

[0045] The optical element 15 is configured to split the light incident from the optical element 14 and output it to the optical output port 12 and the light receiving unit 16. In the example of Fig. 4, the optical element 15 is a beam splitter that transmits a part of the light from the optical element 14 and outputs it to the optical output port 12, and reflects the other part of the light from the optical element 14 and outputs it to the light receiving unit 16. The optical element 15 is composed of a mirror member such as a half mirror.

[0046] The light receiving unit 16 is configured to receive light from the optical element 15 and output a signal according to the intensity of the received light to the drive circuit unit 17. The light receiving unit 16 is configured with an optical sensor such as a photodiode. The optical output port 12 is configured to output the light from the optical element 15 to the incident end 21 of the light guiding member 20.

[0047] The driving circuit unit 17 controls the on / off of the first light source 13a and the second light source 13b in response to a control signal from the control unit 30. The driving circuit unit 17 controls the intensity of light output from each of the first light source 13a and the second light source 13b in response to a control signal from the control unit 30. The driving circuit unit 17 can independently control the first light source 13a and the second light source 13b, and can also turn on the first light source 13a and the second light source 13b simultaneously. The driving circuit unit 17 drives the first light source 13a in response to a set value from the control unit 30, thereby outputting the therapeutic light 80 with an intensity corresponding to the set value. The driving circuit unit 17 controls the output intensity of the therapeutic light 80 to be kept constant based on the output signal from the light receiving unit 16. This prevents the output intensity of the therapeutic light 80 from fluctuating over time during the photoimmunotherapy treatment. Since precise control of the light intensity of the identification light 90 is not required, there is no need to control the intensity based on the output signal from the light receiving unit 16.

[0048] 4 also shows the configuration of the light detection unit 40. The light detection unit 40 includes a light input port 41 and a light receiving unit 42. The light input port 41 is a recess to which the exit end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 can be connected. The light receiving unit 42 receives the therapeutic light 80 output from the exit end 22 connected to the light input port 41, and outputs a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light to the controller 30. The light receiving unit 42 includes an optical sensor such as a photodiode. Based on the detection signal from the light receiving unit 42, the controller 30 obtains the intensity of the therapeutic light 80 finally output from the exit end 22, including optical losses occurring from the first light source 13a to the exit end 22 of the light-guiding member 20. The controller 30 performs a calibration process based on the obtained intensity of the therapeutic light 80.

[0049] (Therapeutic and identification light) Next, a detailed description will be given of the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90. In this embodiment, the light source unit 10 is configured to emit, from each of the multiple light output ports 12, the therapeutic light 80 having a first wavelength and the identification light 90 having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

[0050] The therapeutic light 80 is in a wavelength range from 600 to 2500 nm, which is part of the visible light to near-infrared light range, and is a light in a wavelength band at which the fluorescent substance of the therapeutic drug 102 causes a photochemical reaction, and differs depending on the type of fluorescent substance of the therapeutic drug 102. As described above, when IR700 is used as the fluorescent substance of the therapeutic drug 102, the therapeutic light 80 is light whose peak wavelength is from 600 to 700 nm, for example, non-thermal red light (near-infrared light) whose peak wavelength is about 690 nm.

[0051] In this case, the first light source 13a outputs therapeutic light 80 having a first wavelength and a peak wavelength of about 690 nm. The first light source 13a can output, as therapeutic light 80, laser light with an intensity (energy density) required to cause a photochemical reaction in the fluorescent material. Specifically, the first light source 13a outputs therapeutic light 80 with an intensity equivalent to class 3 or class 4 as defined by the International Electrotechnical Commission. Since class 3 or class 4 laser light cannot be viewed directly, a worker involved in treatment must wear light-blocking glasses 60 (see FIG. 5) that block the first wavelength so that the therapeutic light 80 does not irradiate his or her eyes.

[0052] The second light source 13b outputs identification light 90 having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80. The second light source 13b is controlled to output laser light having an intensity that is considered safe even when viewed directly without wearing the light-blocking glasses 60. Specifically, the second light source 13b outputs identification light 90 having an intensity that corresponds to Class 1 defined in the International Electrotechnical Standards. Therefore, in this embodiment, the identification light 90 emitted from the light-guiding member 20 can be viewed directly without using the light-blocking glasses 60.

[0053] In this embodiment, the second wavelength of the identification light 90 is a wavelength other than the first band of the light-blocking glasses 60 that blocks the first band of light including the first wavelength of the therapeutic light 80, and is a wavelength within the range of visible light. That is, in this embodiment, the identification light 90 is visible light of a wavelength (a wavelength having a light transmittance sufficiently higher than that of the first band) that is not blocked by the light-blocking glasses 60. The first band to which the first wavelength belongs is a wavelength band that partially includes the red visible light region. Therefore, the second light source 13b is configured to output light other than red, for example, green light (approximately 490 nm or more and approximately 550 nm or less).

[0054] 5, the lens portion 61 of the light blocking glasses 60 is configured to block light of a first wavelength band including a first wavelength (approximately 690 nm) of the therapeutic light 80 (i.e., to have extremely low transmittance for light of the first wavelength). On the other hand, the lens portion 61 of the light blocking glasses 60 has a sufficiently high transmittance for light of a second wavelength (approximately 490 nm or more and approximately 550 nm or less).

[0055] Therefore, when the therapeutic light 80 of the first wavelength (red) enters the lens unit 61 of the light-blocking glasses 60, it is blocked by the lens unit 61. This makes it difficult for an operator wearing the light-blocking glasses 60 to see the therapeutic light 80. In contrast, when the identification light 90 of the second wavelength (green) enters the lens unit 61 of the light-blocking glasses 60, most of the identification light 90 passes through the lens unit 61. This allows even an operator wearing the light-blocking glasses 60 to easily see the identification light 90 through the lens unit 61. As a result, the identification light 90 of this embodiment can be easily seen even when the light-blocking glasses 60 are worn, and can also be safely seen even when the light-blocking glasses 60 are removed.

[0056] (Control unit) Next, a description will be given of the control unit 30. As shown in FIG.

[0057] The processor 31 is configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The storage unit 32 includes, for example, a volatile memory and a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory or a hard disk drive. The storage unit 32 stores a program 32a. The computer functions as the control unit 30 of the light irradiation device 100 by the processor 31 executing the program 32a stored in the storage unit 32. In addition, the storage unit 32 stores various setting information 32b for performing light irradiation.

[0058] The control unit 30 includes a light source control unit 31a, a calibration processing unit 31b, and a display control unit 31c as functional blocks. The functional blocks refer to a set of information processing functions realized by the processor 31 included in the control unit 30 executing a program 32a. Each of these functional blocks may be configured by separate hardware (processors).

[0059] <Light source control section> The light source controller 31a controls the start and stop of light output by the light source unit 10. Based on the setting information 32b stored in the storage unit 32, the light source controller 31a controls each light source unit 11 (see FIG. 1) of the light source unit 10 to output therapeutic light 80 of a set intensity from a set light output port 12 for a set time.

[0060] When the light-source controller 31a receives an operation input via the second operation unit 53 while the output of the therapeutic light 80 is stopped, the light-source controller 31a starts the output of the therapeutic light 80. When the light-source controller 31a receives an operation input via the second operation unit 53 before the elapse of a set time during the output of the therapeutic light 80, the light-source controller 31a stops the output of the therapeutic light 80.

[0061] Calibration Processing Section The calibration processing unit 31b executes a calibration process based on the detection result of the light detection unit 40 (see FIG. 4). The calibration processing unit 31b is configured to determine whether the calibration process has been normally completed based on a comparison between the detection result of the light detection unit 40 and a set value of the intensity of the therapeutic light 80.

[0062] The calibration process is performed sequentially for each of the light output ports 12 (i.e., the light source units 11). First, as shown in FIG. 4, an operator connects the output end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 connected to one of the light output ports 12 to be calibrated to the light input port 41 of the light detection unit 40. The calibration processing unit 31b outputs the therapeutic light 80 from the one of the light output ports 12 to be calibrated. The therapeutic light 80 passed through the light-guiding member 20 and output from the output end 22 is detected by the light receiving unit 42 of the light detection unit 40. The calibration processing unit 31b obtains a signal corresponding to the intensity of the received light from the light detection unit 40.

[0063] The calibration processor 31b obtains a detection value of the intensity of the therapeutic light 80 at the output end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 connected to the light input port 41 based on the detection result (a signal corresponding to the intensity of received light) of the light detector 40. The calibration processor 31b compares the detection value with the intensity setting value and determines whether the detection value is within an allowable range for the intensity setting value. If the detection value is not within the allowable range, the calibration processor 31b adjusts the setting of the drive level of the first light source 13a by the drive circuit 17 of the light source unit 11 so that the detection value falls within the allowable range. As a result, the intensity of the therapeutic light 80 output from the light-guiding member 20 connected to one light output port 12 to be calibrated is adjusted to match the intensity setting value of the setting information 32b within the allowable range.

[0064] If the detected value is within the allowable range, the calibration processor 31b determines that the calibration has been performed normally. In this manner, the controller 30 (calibration processor 31b) determines whether the calibration process has been completed normally based on a comparison between the detection result of the light detector 40 and the set value of the emission intensity of the therapeutic light 80. In this embodiment, the controller 30 (calibration processor 31b) is configured to control the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 (see FIG. 2) when the calibration process has been completed normally.

[0065] When the calibration process for one optical output port 12 is completed, the light guiding member 20 connected to the optical input port 41 of the optical detection unit 40 is removed by the operator, and the light guiding member 20 connected to the next optical output port 12 to be calibrated is connected to the optical input port 41. The control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) executes the calibration process for each of the multiple optical output ports 12 in turn.

[0066] Display Control Unit The display control unit 31c controls the screen display of the display unit 51. As shown in Fig. 7, the display control unit 31c causes the display unit 51 to display an operation reception screen 70. The display control unit 31c is configured to receive various operations and setting inputs on the operation reception screen 70 via the first operation unit 52 (see Fig. 1).

[0067] <Operation reception screen> In the example shown in FIG. 7, the operation reception screen 70 includes a setting information display area 71, a treatment procedure display area 72, a first distinguishable operation section 73a, and a second distinguishable operation section 73b.

[0068] <Settings information display area> The setting information display area 71 is an area for displaying setting information (setting information 32b) related to the emission of the therapeutic light 80 by the light source unit 10. One setting information display area 71 is provided for each of the multiple light output ports 12 ("PORT1" to "PORT4") of the light source unit 10. In other words, a plurality (four) of setting information display areas 71 are provided so as to correspond one-to-one with each of the multiple (four) light output ports 12.

[0069] Each setting information display area 71 includes a type display section 71a of the light-guiding member 20, an optical specification display section 71b of the light-guiding member 20, an irradiation energy display section 71c, and an irradiation time display section 71d. The display control section 31c displays information in the setting information display area 71 according to the setting information 32b stored in the storage section 32. The setting information 32b is set by an operator according to treatment conditions for photoimmunotherapy.

[0070] The type display section 71a displays the type of the light guiding member 20 according to the type (structure) of the light diffusion member constituting the exit end 22. The type display section 71a displays the type of the light guiding member 20 in the form of a pictogram (icon). The pictogram of each type display section 71a in FIG. 7 indicates that light (represented by an arc-shaped line) is emitted from a rod-shaped light diffusion member to the periphery, and indicates that a circumferential emission type light guiding member 20 (see FIG. 3(B)) is set. When a forward emission type light guiding member 20 (see FIG. 3(A)) is set in the setting information 32b, a pictogram (not shown) indicating that it is a forward emission type is displayed.

[0071] The optical specification display section 71b displays the optical specification of the light-guiding member 20 displayed on the type display section 71a with respect to the irradiation of the therapeutic light 80. The optical specification display section 71b displays pre-specified information (parameters) that are important for irradiating the therapeutic light 80 to the treatment target site 101a among the optical specifications. In the example of FIG. 7, information on the range from which the therapeutic light 80 is emitted at the emission end 22 (light diffusion member) of the circumferential emission type light-guiding member 20 is displayed. The range from which the therapeutic light 80 is emitted is expressed by the distance 25 (see FIG. 3(B)) from the tip of the rod-shaped light diffusion member. In FIG. 7, "2 cm" is displayed, indicating that the therapeutic light 80 is emitted from a portion 2 cm from the tip of the light diffusion member. When the type display section 71a displays the forward emission type light-guiding member 20 (see FIG. 3(A)), information such as the irradiation angle 26 may be displayed.

[0072] The irradiation energy display unit 71c displays a set value of the total energy amount of the therapeutic light 80 irradiated from the light-guiding member 20 to the treatment target site 101a during treatment. The irradiation time display unit 71d displays a set value of the irradiation time of the therapeutic light 80 irradiated from the light-guiding member 20 to the treatment target site 101a during treatment. The total energy amount is expressed as the amount of energy per unit area (J / cm), and the irradiation time is expressed as the total time (sec) for which the therapeutic light 80 is emitted.

[0073] 7, the optical specification display section 71b, the irradiation energy display section 71c, and the irradiation time display section 71d show that the condition is set such that a total of 100 J / cm of therapeutic light 80 is irradiated onto the treatment target area 101a when therapeutic light 80 is irradiated for 250 seconds from a range of 2 cm from the tip of the light-guiding member 20. The controller 30 sets the light intensity of the therapeutic light 80 outputted from the light output port 12 so as to satisfy this condition.

[0074] Treatment procedure display area The treatment procedure display area 72 displays a treatment procedure (protocol) using the light irradiation device 100. The operator can perform preparations for treatment and treatment procedures by referring to the display contents of the treatment procedure display area 72. In the example of FIG. 7, preparations (Standby) such as connecting the light-guiding member 20 and inputting the setting information 32b are displayed as step 1. Calibration of each light output port 12 is displayed as step 2. Output of the therapeutic light 80 (Treatment) is displayed as step 3. The output of the therapeutic light 80 may be performed multiple times. In addition, when performing treatment by replacing the light-guiding member 20 (by replacing the circumferential emission type with the forward emission type), the calibration and output of the therapeutic light 80 may be performed multiple times.

[0075] <First identification operation unit and second identification operation unit> The first identification operation unit 73a and the second identification operation unit 73b are buttons for receiving an operation input for emitting the identification light 90 (see FIG. 2) from the optical output port 12. The first identification operation unit 73a and the second identification operation unit 73b are GUIs (Graphical User Interfaces) displayed on the operation reception screen 70.

[0076] 7, four first identification operation units 73a are provided on the operation reception screen 70 corresponding to the four optical output ports 12. That is, the first identification operation units 73a are "Check" buttons provided for the four setting information display areas 71 (PORT1 to PORT4) corresponding to the optical output ports 12, respectively.

[0077] In this embodiment, the first operation unit 52, which is a touch panel, detects an input operation (touch operation) to the first identification operation unit 73a, and outputs a signal according to the operation input to the control unit 30. The control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) controls the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 from the light output port 12 corresponding to the first identification operation unit 73a that has received the operation input, among the multiple first identification operation units 73a.

[0078] As described above, in the present embodiment, the light irradiation device 100 includes a plurality of first identification operation units 73a that are provided corresponding to the plurality of light output ports 12 and that receive an operation input that instructs emission of the identification light 90 for each light output port 12. Therefore, by selectively operating the plurality of first identification operation units 73a, the operator can output the identification light 90 from one light-guiding member 20 that is connected to a specified light output port 12 out of the four light output ports 12.

[0079] On the other hand, the second identification operation section 73b is a button for outputting the identification light 90 from a plurality of optical output ports 12 simultaneously.

[0080] 7, one second identification operation unit 73b is provided on the operation reception screen 70 for four light output ports 12. The second identification operation unit 73b is a large "All Check" button provided across four setting information display areas 71 for each port. Thus, in this embodiment, the light irradiation device 100 includes one second identification operation unit 73b provided for each of the multiple light output ports 12, which receives an operation input for instructing emission of the identification light 90 from the multiple light output ports 12.

[0081] In this embodiment, the first operation unit 52, which is a touch panel, detects an input operation (touch operation) on the second identification operation unit 73b, and outputs to the control unit 30 a signal according to the operation input.

[0082] In this embodiment, the light source unit 10 is configured to be capable of simultaneously emitting identification light 90 having different on and off patterns per unit time from each of the multiple light output ports 12. The control unit 30 controls the light source unit 10 to emit identification light 90 having different patterns from each of the multiple light output ports 12 in response to an operation input to the second identification operation unit 73b. Note that "on" and "off" respectively mean irradiation of the identification light 90 and stopping irradiation of the identification light 90.

[0083] An example of a pattern of turning on and off the lights per unit time is shown in Fig. 8. In Fig. 8, the horizontal axis represents time, and it is a timing chart showing the switching timing of turning on (ON) and off (OFF) the lights at the four optical output ports 12 (PORT1 to PORT4).

[0084] PORT1 blinks in a pattern in which the light is turned on once for the lighting time 111 during the unit time 110, and is turned off during the other times other than the lighting time 111. PORT2 blinks in a pattern in which the light is turned on twice for the lighting time 111 with a lighting interval 112 during the unit time 110, and is turned off during the other times other than the lighting time 111. PORT3 blinks in a pattern in which the light is turned on three times for the lighting time 111 with a lighting interval 112 during the unit time 110, and is turned off during the other times other than the lighting time 111. PORT4 blinks in a pattern in which the light is turned on four times for the lighting time 111 with a lighting interval 112 during the unit time 110, and is turned off during the other times other than the lighting time 111. The lighting time 111 is the length of time that the lighting state continues. The lighting interval 112 is the length of time that the lighting state continues between one lighting state and the next lighting state. Here, all of the PORTs flash (on and off), but the pattern may be such that any of the PORTs remain lit continuously rather than flashing.

[0085] In this manner, when the identification light 90 is turned on from each of the four light-guiding members 20 in response to an operation input to the second identification operation unit 73b, the number of times that the identification light 90 is turned on in a unit time 110 differs for each light output port 12. As a result, the operator can determine which light-guiding member 20 is connected to which light output port 12 based on the frequency of blinking of the output end 22 of the light-guiding member 20. In the example of FIG. 8, the identification light 90 is turned on the same number of times as the port numbers PORT1 to PORT4 during the unit time 110. Therefore, it is easy to know the port number to which the light-guiding member 20 is connected based on the number of times that the output end 22 is turned on.

[0086] While the identification light 90 is being emitted from each of the four light-guiding members 20 in response to an operation input to the second identification operation unit 73b, the display control unit 31c may control the display unit 51 to blink each of the four setting information display areas 71 corresponding to each light output port 12 in the same pattern as the on / off pattern of the identification light 90. That is, each of the setting information display areas 71 of PORT1 to PORT4 shown in Fig. 7 may be blinked in the pattern of PORT1 to PORT4 shown in Fig. 8.

[0087] In this embodiment, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) controls the light source unit 10 to output the identification light 90 only while an input is being made to the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b. Therefore, when the operator touches the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b, output of the identification light 90 is started, and when the operator removes his or her finger from the touch panel to release the touch, output of the identification light 90 is stopped.

[0088] (Control process of light irradiation device) Next, the control process of the light irradiation device 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The control process of the light irradiation device 100 includes a control method for the light irradiation device according to this embodiment. The control process of the light irradiation device 100 is executed by the control unit 30.

[0089] In step 501 of FIG. 9, the control unit 30 (display control unit 31c) performs control to cause the display unit 51 to display the operation acceptance screen .

[0090] In step 502, the control unit 30 (display control unit 31c) selects one optical output port 12 to be subjected to the calibration process. The selection order of the optical output ports 12 may be, for example, in ascending order of port numbers, or may be specified by the operator.

[0091] The operator connects the output end 22 of one light-guiding member 20 connected to the selected light output port 12 to the light input port 41. At this time, the operator causes the light-guiding member 20 to emit an identification light 90 by inputting the first identification operation section 73a or the second identification operation section 73b of the operation reception screen 70 (see FIG. 7). For example, when the light output port 12 to be the target of the calibration process is PORT1, the operator inputs the first identification operation section 73a of PORT1. As a result, the identification light 90 (see FIG. 2) is emitted from the light-guiding member 20 connected to PORT1, so that the operator can easily distinguish the light-guiding member 20 connected to PORT1 from the other light-guiding members 20. The control related to the emission of the identification light 90 will be described later.

[0092] In step 503, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) executes a calibration process for the optical output port 12 that is to be calibrated. As described above, the calibration processing unit 31b outputs the therapeutic light 80 from the optical output port 12 and obtains a detection result from the optical detection unit 40. Based on a comparison between the detection result of the optical detection unit 40 and a set value of the emission intensity of the therapeutic light 80, the calibration processing unit 31b adjusts the detection result of the optical detection unit 40 (the emission intensity of the therapeutic light 80 from the emission end 22) so that it coincides with the intensity set value within an allowable range.

[0093] In step 504, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) judges whether the calibration process has been normally completed based on a comparison between the detection result of the light detection unit 40 and the intensity setting value of the therapeutic light 80. If the detection result of the light detection unit 40 does not match the intensity setting value within an acceptable range even after the calibration process is performed, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) stops the subsequent process and executes a predetermined error process. If the detection result of the light detection unit 40 matches the intensity setting value within an acceptable range, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) judges that the calibration process has been normally completed and proceeds to step 505.

[0094] In step 505, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) stops the output of the therapeutic light 80 from the light output port 12 for which the calibration process has been completed, and controls the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90. In other words, when the calibration process for any light output port 12 is completed, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) notifies the operator of the completion of the calibration process by emitting the identification light 90 from that light output port 12. The emission of the identification light 90 is stopped after a preset period of time has elapsed.

[0095] In step 506, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) judges whether the calibration process has been completed for all optical output ports 12 to be calibrated. If there is an optical output port 12 for which the calibration process has not yet been performed, the control unit 30 (calibration processing unit 31b) returns the process to step 502 and selects the optical output port 12 for which the calibration process has not yet been performed as the target for the calibration process. By repeating steps 502 to 506, the calibration process is performed on the multiple optical output ports 12 one by one in order. If the calibration process has been completed for all optical output ports 12, the control unit 30 proceeds to step 507.

[0096] In step 507, the controller 30 (light source controller 31a) determines whether or not an operation input instructing output of the therapeutic light 80 has been received. The controller 30 (light source controller 31a) receives the operation input instructing output of the therapeutic light 80 via the second operation unit 53 (see FIG. 1 ).

[0097] Before performing the operation input, the operator places the light-guiding members 20, each connected to a corresponding one of the light output ports 12, at a predetermined position for irradiating the therapeutic light 80 to the treatment target site 101a of the patient 101. In the case of the light-guiding member 20 of the circumferential emission type, the emission end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 is inserted to a predetermined position inside the body of the patient 101 as described above. When the irradiation preparation is completed, the operator performs an operation input to the second operation unit 53. If an operation input instructing the output of the therapeutic light 80 is received (if an operation to the second operation unit 53 is received), the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) advances the process to step 508. If an operation input is not received, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) advances the process to step 509.

[0098] In step 508, the controller 30 (light source controller 31a) controls the light source unit 10 to output the therapeutic light 80 from each of the light output ports 12. As a result, the therapeutic light 80 is irradiated onto the treatment target area 101a from the exit end 22 of the light-guiding member 20 connected to the light output port 12. The controller 30 (light source controller 31a) outputs the therapeutic light 80 for the irradiation time (see FIG. 7) set based on the setting information 32b.

[0099] In step 509, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) judges whether or not to end the treatment. A condition for ending one treatment (irradiation of the therapeutic light 80) is, for example, that the total time of irradiation of the therapeutic light 80 reaches a set irradiation time. In addition, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) judges to end the treatment when, for example, an input operation instructing to end the treatment is received on the GUI displayed on the display unit 51. In this case, the control process of the light irradiation device 100 is completed.

[0100] If the conditions for ending the treatment are not met, the control unit 30 determines in step 510 whether or not there has been a change in the setting information 32b.

[0101] The worker uses the first operation unit 52 to perform an operation to display a setting screen (not shown) on the display unit 51 from the operation reception screen 70, and performs an operation to change the setting information 32b for each of the optical output ports 12 on the setting screen. This makes it possible to change the type of the light-guiding member 20 and change the setting information 32b such as the irradiation time and the total energy amount for each of the optical output ports 12. In this case, the worker may need to check which of the multiple light-guiding members 20 is connected to the optical output port 12 whose setting is to be changed.

[0102] At this time, the worker can input the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b to emit identification light 90 from the light guiding member 20. As a result, the identification light 90 is emitted from the light guiding member 20 connected to the light output port 12 whose setting is to be changed, so that the light guiding member 20 connected to the light output port 12 whose setting is to be changed by the worker can be easily distinguished from other light guiding members 20.

[0103] If the control unit 30 does not accept the change in the setting information 32b, the process returns to step S507. If the control unit 30 accepts the change in the setting information 32b, the control unit 30 stores the changed setting information 32b in the storage unit 32 in step 511, and then returns to step S507. As a result, for example, the irradiation conditions of the therapeutic light 80 are changed and the therapeutic light 80 is irradiated for the second time. Depending on the content of the changed setting information 32b, the process may return to step 502 and a calibration process may be performed.

[0104] When all the planned treatments have been completed, the control unit 30 determines in step 509 that the treatments have ended, and ends the control process of the light irradiation device 100.

[0105] (Identification light output control) The output control of the identification light 90 will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The output control of the identification light 90 is executed by the control unit 30. The output control of the identification light 90 is a process executed in parallel with the control process of the light irradiation device 100 shown in Fig. 9.

[0106] In step 521, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) determines whether or not an input operation has been accepted via the first operation unit 52 for any of the first distinguishable operation units 73a.

[0107] When the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) receives an input operation for any of the first identification operation units 73a, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) controls the light source unit 10 to output the identification light 90 from the optical output port 12 corresponding to the first identification operation unit 73a that received the input operation in step 522. For example, when an operation input is received for the first identification operation unit 73a corresponding to the setting information display area 71 of PORT1 shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 30 outputs the identification light 90 from the optical output port 12 of PORT1. Note that when an operation input is simultaneously performed for a plurality of first identification operation units 73a, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) simultaneously outputs the identification light 90 from the corresponding optical output ports 12.

[0108] If an input operation to the first distinguishable operation unit 73a is not accepted in step 521, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) advances the process to step 523. In step 523, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) determines via the first operation unit 52 whether an input operation to the second distinguishable operation unit 73b is accepted.

[0109] When the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) receives an input operation to the second identification operation unit 73b, in step 524, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) controls the light source unit 10 to output identification light 90 with different on and off patterns from all the optical output ports 12. For example, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) outputs identification light 90 with the pattern shown in FIG. 8 from each of the optical output ports 12, PORT1 to PORT4. When the control unit 30 does not receive an input operation to the second identification operation unit 73b in step 523, the process ends.

[0110] When the identification light 90 is output in step 522 or step 524, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) determines whether or not the operational input to the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b has been released in step 525. In the present embodiment in which the first operation unit 52 is a touch panel, it is determined whether or not the touch operation has been released. If the operational input has not been released, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) continues to output the identification light 90.

[0111] When the operational input is released, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) stops the output of the identification light 90 in step 526. Therefore, in this embodiment, the identification light 90 is output only while the operational input to the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b continues.

[0112] When the output of the identification light 90 is stopped in step 526, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) ends the process. The control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) constantly accepts an operation input to the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b by repeating the processes of steps 521 to 526 shown in FIG. 10. This allows the operator to output the identification light 90 at a desired timing and for a desired time. By such a process, the identification light 90 is output at the timing when the operator inputs the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b in step 502 or step 510 in FIG. 9. Even at a timing other than step 502 or step 510, if the first identification operation unit 73a or the second identification operation unit 73b is input, the control unit 30 (light source control unit 31a) controls the output of the identification light 90 in parallel with each process in FIG. 9.

[0113] As described above, the control method of the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment is a method for controlling the light irradiation device 100 to irradiate the treatment target site 101a of the subject (cancer patient 101) to which the drug 102 containing a photosensitive substance has been administered, with therapeutic light 80, and includes the steps of: emitting identification light 90 having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80 from each of the multiple light output ports 12 to which the multiple light-guiding members 20 are connected, thereby identifiably lighting up the multiple light-guiding members 20 connected to the multiple light output ports 12 (522, 524); and emitting the therapeutic light 80 from each of the multiple light output ports 12 (508).

[0114] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0115] That is, the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment is a light irradiation device 100 for irradiating a treatment target site 101a of a subject (cancer patient 101) to which a drug 102 containing a photosensitive substance has been administered, with therapeutic light 80, as described above, and includes a light source unit 10 including a plurality of light output ports 12 and configured to be able to emit therapeutic light 80 and identification light 90 having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80 from each of the plurality of light output ports 12, a plurality of light-guiding members 20 each having an incident end 21 connected to any of the plurality of light output ports 12 of the light source unit 10 and an exit end 22 for emitting light incident from the incident end 21, and a control unit 30 for controlling the light source unit 10, and the control unit 30 is configured to control the plurality of light-guiding members 20 connected to each of the plurality of light output ports 12 to be identifiably illuminated by emitting the identification light 90 from each of the plurality of light output ports 12.

[0116] Furthermore, the control method of the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment is a control method of the light irradiation device 100 for irradiating therapeutic light 80 to a treatment target site 101a of a subject (cancer patient 101) to which a drug 102 containing a photosensitive substance has been administered, as described above, and includes the steps of: emitting identification light 90 having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80 from each of the multiple light output ports 12 to which the multiple light-guiding members 20 are connected, thereby identifiably lighting up the multiple light-guiding members 20 connected to each of the multiple light output ports 12; and emitting the therapeutic light 80 from each of the multiple light output ports 12.

[0117] With the above configuration, the light output ports 12 emit the identification light 90 having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80, thereby controlling the light guide members 20 connected to the light output ports 12 to be identifiably lit. For example, the light output ports 12 emit the identification light 90 one by one, or the light output ports 12 simultaneously emit the identification light 90 having different lighting patterns (e.g., blinking speed). This makes it possible to confirm which of the light guide members 20 the identification light 90 from each light output port 12 has been emitted from. At this time, the light guide member 20 emits the identification light 90 having a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80, so that the identification light 90 can be confirmed without using the light-shielding glasses 60. As a result, even if the light guide members 20 are entangled, it is possible to easily identify which light output port 12 each of the light guide members 20 is connected to by the identification light 90. This also makes it possible to shorten the preparation time required before starting treatment.

[0118] In the above embodiment, further advantages can be obtained by configuring as follows.

[0119] Specifically, in the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment, the light source unit 10 is configured to emit therapeutic light 80 of a first wavelength and identification light 90 of a second wavelength different from the first wavelength from each of the multiple light output ports 12. With this configuration, the identification light 90 can be easily distinguished from the therapeutic light 80 by the identification light 90 of the second wavelength different from the therapeutic light 80 (i.e., a color different from that of the therapeutic light 80).

[0120] In the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment, the second wavelength of the identification light 90 is a wavelength other than the first band of the light-blocking glasses 60 that blocks light of a first band including the first wavelength of the therapeutic light 80, and is a wavelength within the range of visible light. With this configuration, the identification light 90 can be viewed through the light-blocking glasses 60 while the light-blocking glasses 60 that block the therapeutic light 80 are still worn. This eliminates the need to remove the light-blocking glasses 60 every time the connection of the light-guiding member 20 is checked using the identification light 90, improving the efficiency of treatment.

[0121] In the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment, the light source unit 10 includes a first light source 13a that generates the therapeutic light 80 and a second light source 13b that generates the identification light 90, and is configured to be able to emit the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 independently from multiple light output ports 12. With this configuration, since the first light source 13a is dedicated to the therapeutic light 80 and the second light source 13b is dedicated to the identification light 90, the therapeutic light 80 of the first wavelength and the identification light 90 of the second wavelength can be emitted without using, for example, a special tunable laser light source. Therefore, the light source unit 10 that emits the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 can be easily configured.

[0122] Furthermore, in the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment, the light source unit 10 is configured to be able to individually switch between emitting and stopping the identification light 90 from each of the multiple light output ports 12. With this configuration, it is possible to selectively emit the identification light 90 from each of the multiple light output ports 12 one by one. Therefore, it is extremely easy to identify which light output port 12 each of the light-guiding members 20 is connected to.

[0123] The light irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment further includes a plurality of first identification operation units 73a that are provided corresponding to the plurality of light output ports 12 and receive an operation input instructing emission of the identification light 90 for each light output port 12. The control unit 30 controls the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 from the light output port 12 corresponding to the first identification operation unit 73a that received the operation input among the plurality of first identification operation units 73a. With this configuration, the operator can individually identify the light guide member 20 connected to the light output port 12 to be checked by simply operating the first identification operation unit 73a corresponding to the light output port 12 to be checked. Therefore, for example, in a calibration process, the task of identifying one light guide member 20 connected to the light output port 12 to be calibrated from among the plurality of light guide members 20 becomes very easy.

[0124] Furthermore, in the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment, the light source unit 10 is configured to be able to simultaneously emit, from each of the multiple light output ports 12, identification light 90 having different on and off patterns per unit time 110. With this configuration, it is possible to collectively identify the interconnection relationships between the multiple light-guiding members 20 and the multiple light output ports 12 based on the difference in the patterns of the identification light 90 emitted from each of the multiple light-guiding members 20.

[0125] The light irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment further includes a second identification operation unit 73b, one for each of the plurality of light output ports 12, which receives an operation input instructing emission of the identification light 90 from the plurality of light output ports 12. The control unit 30 controls the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 having a different pattern from each of the plurality of light output ports 12 in response to the operation input to the second identification operation unit 73b. With this configuration, the operator can collectively specify the mutual connection relationship between the plurality of light output ports 12 and the plurality of light guide members 20 simply by operating the second identification operation unit 73b. Therefore, when the operator wants to know the connection destinations (the numbers of the light output ports 12) of all the light guide members 20, it becomes very easy to check the connections.

[0126] The light irradiation device 100 of the present embodiment further includes a light detection unit 40 that receives the exit end 22 of any one of the light guide members 20 and detects light output from the exit end 22. The control unit 30 is configured to execute a calibration process to adjust the emission intensity of the therapeutic light 80 at each of the light output ports 12 based on the detection result of the light detection unit 40. With this configuration, it is necessary to connect the exit end 22 of the light guide member 20 connected to the light output port 12 to be calibrated to the light detection unit 40. At that time, the light guide member 20 can be made to emit the identification light 90, so that the light guide member 20 connected to the light output port 12 to be calibrated can be very easily identified. Therefore, the efficiency of the calibration process for each of the light output ports 12 can be significantly improved, and the preparation time required for starting treatment can be effectively shortened.

[0127] In the light irradiation device 100 of this embodiment, the control unit 30 is configured to determine whether the calibration process has been normally completed based on a comparison between the detection result of the light detection unit 40 and a set value of the emission intensity of the therapeutic light 80, and to control the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 when the calibration process has been normally completed. With this configuration, the operator can easily recognize that the calibration process has been normally completed by the identification light 90 emitted from the light guiding member 20. In addition, since the light guiding member 20 for which the calibration process has been completed can be distinguished from the light guiding member 20 for which the calibration process will be performed next, the operator can be prevented from mistaking one of the light guiding members 20 for the calibration process.

[0128] [Variations] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims, not by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (variations) within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0129] (First Modification) For example, in the above embodiment, the light source unit 10 includes the first light source 13a that generates the therapeutic light 80 and the second light source 13b that generates the identification light 90, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the light source that generates the therapeutic light 80 and the light source that generates the identification light 90 may be the same light source.

[0130] 11, for example, each light source unit 11 of the light source section 10 includes one first light source 13a. The light source unit 11 does not include a dedicated light source (second light source 13b) for generating the identification light 90, and the first light source 13a generates the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90.

[0131] Specifically, in this modification, as shown in FIG. 11A, the drive circuit unit 17 outputs therapeutic light 80 of the first wavelength from the first light source 13a in response to a signal from the control unit 30. The therapeutic light 80 is a laser light having an intensity corresponding to class 3 or class 4. As shown in FIG. 11B, the drive circuit unit 17 outputs identification light 90 of the first wavelength from the first light source 13a in response to a signal from the control unit 30. The identification light 90 is light of the first wavelength generated from the first light source 13a and has a lower intensity than the therapeutic light 80. For example, the identification light 90 is a laser light having an intensity corresponding to class 1. In other words, the light source unit 10 uses the light emitted from the first light source 13a, which generates the therapeutic light 80, as the identification light 90 by reducing the output intensity of the light from the first light source 13a that generates the therapeutic light 80 to the level of class 1. In FIG. 11, the difference in light intensity between the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 is represented by arrows of different thicknesses.

[0132] In this modification, the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 are light of the same wavelength (first wavelength). In this case, the identification light 90 is light of a wavelength belonging to the first band blocked by the light-blocking glasses 60, and therefore the identification light 90 cannot be seen by the operator while wearing the light-blocking glasses 60. However, since the identification light 90 is laser light with an intensity equivalent to Class 1, the identification light 90 can be safely and reliably seen by the operator after removing the light-blocking glasses 60. Therefore, in this modification, the operator can easily identify which light output port 12 each light-guiding member 20 is connected to by removing the light-blocking glasses 60 as necessary to check the identification light 90.

[0133] Therefore, by configuring the light irradiation device 100 as in this modified example, the identification light 90 can be made sufficiently lower in intensity than the therapeutic light 80, making it possible to confirm the identification light 90 without removing the light-blocking glasses 60. In this case, the identification light 90 can be generated using the first light source 13a for the therapeutic light 80 without providing a separate light source for the identification light 90, thereby simplifying the device configuration for emitting the identification light 90 separately from the therapeutic light 80.

[0134] Alternatively, the light source unit 10 may include a tunable laser device as a light source that can change the wavelength of light outputted from the light source unit 10 between a first wavelength and a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. In this case, a single light source can output the treatment light 80 of the first wavelength and the identification light of the second wavelength in a band in which the transmittance of the light-blocking glasses 60 is high.

[0135] (Other variations) In the above embodiment, the light source section 10 is configured to be capable of emitting the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 independently from the multiple light output ports 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the light source section 10 does not have to be capable of emitting the therapeutic light 80 and the identification light 90 independently from the multiple light output ports 12. For example, the light source section 10 may be configured to simultaneously emit the therapeutic light 80 from all the light output ports 12 and simultaneously emit the identification light 90 from all the light output ports 12. In this case, the light source section 10 does not have to include multiple light source units 11. In other words, light may be distributed from one light source unit 11 to multiple light output ports 12.

[0136] In the above embodiment, the light source unit 10 is configured to be able to individually switch between emitting and stopping the identification light 90 from each of the multiple optical output ports 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the light source unit 10 may simply emit the identification light 90 from all the optical output ports 12 simultaneously. Even when the identification light 90 is emitted simultaneously from the multiple optical output ports 12, the multiple light-guiding members 20 connected to the multiple optical output ports 12 can be distinguished by making the patterns of turning on and off the identification light 90 different as described above. In addition, the light source unit 10 may be configured to emit the identification light 90 only from one optical output port 12 that has been selected, and not to emit the identification light 90 from the multiple optical output ports 12 simultaneously.

[0137] In the above embodiment, when the identification light 90 is emitted simultaneously from a plurality of optical output ports 12, an example is shown in which the identification light 90 is emitted with different on and off patterns per unit time, but the present invention is not limited to this. The wavelengths of the identification light 90 emitted from each of the plurality of optical output ports 12 (i.e., the colors of the identification light 90) may be different. For example, by emitting the identification light 90 in green from PORT1, yellow from PORT2, and blue from PORT3, the differences between the identification lights 90 can be recognized.

[0138] In the above embodiment, an example was shown in which a plurality of first identification operation parts 73a corresponding to a plurality of optical output ports 12 were provided, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, a plurality of first identification operation parts 73a does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0139] In the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which one second identification operation portion 73b is provided for a plurality of optical output ports 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the second identification operation portion 73b does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0140] In the above embodiment, the multiple first identification operation units 73a and the second identification operation unit 73b are buttons (GUI) displayed on the display unit 51, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the multiple first identification operation units 73a may be configured with mechanical switches. Similarly, the second identification operation unit 73b may be configured with a mechanical switch.

[0141] In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the light detection unit 40 is provided to receive any one of the emission ends 22 of the plurality of light-guiding members 20 and detect light output from the emission end 22, but the present invention is not limited to this. The light irradiation device 100 does not necessarily have to include the light detection unit 40. In this case, the calibration process may be performed using a light detection device provided separately from the light irradiation device 100.

[0142] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the control unit 30 controls the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 when the calibration process has been normally completed, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, it is not necessary to control the light source unit 10 to emit the identification light 90 when the calibration process has been normally completed. The completion of the calibration process may be notified by a notification means other than the emission of the identification light 90. The notification means may be, for example, a voice output.

[0143] In the above embodiment, an example in which the display unit 51 and the first operation unit 52 constitute a touch panel display has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the display unit 51 and the first operation unit 52 may be separately constituted by a display device and an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse, respectively. For example, the display unit 51 made of a liquid crystal display device or the like and the first operation unit 52 such as a keyboard or a mouse may be installed in a single housing in which the control unit 30 and the light source unit 10 are built.

[0144] In the above embodiment, an example of a configuration in which a touch panel display constituted by the display unit 51 and the first operation unit 52 is connected to the control unit 30 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the display unit 51, the first operation unit 52, and the control unit 30 may constitute an information terminal such as a single tablet terminal.

[0145] [Aspects] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the exemplary embodiments described above are examples of the following aspects.

[0146] (Item 1) A light irradiation device for irradiating a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light, comprising: a light source unit including a plurality of optical output ports configured to emit a therapeutic light and an identification light having an intensity lower than that of the therapeutic light from each of the optical output ports; a plurality of light guide members each having an incident end connected to any one of a plurality of light output ports of the light source unit and an exit end for emitting light incident from the incident end; A control unit that controls the light source unit, The control unit is configured to control a plurality of light-guiding members connected to each of the plurality of light output ports to be identifiably lit by emitting identification light from each of the plurality of light output ports.

[0147] (Item 2) 2. The light irradiation device according to item 1, wherein the light source unit is configured to be able to emit therapeutic light having a first wavelength and identifying light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength from each of the plurality of light output ports.

[0148] (Item 3) 3. The light irradiation device according to item 2, wherein the second wavelength of the identification light is a wavelength other than the first band of light-blocking glasses that block a first band of light including the first wavelength of the therapeutic light, and is a wavelength within the range of visible light.

[0149] (Item 4) 3. The light irradiation device according to claim 2, wherein the light source unit includes a first light source that generates the therapeutic light and a second light source that generates the identification light, and is configured to be able to output the therapeutic light and the identification light independently from a plurality of light output ports.

[0150] (Item 5) 3. The light irradiation device according to item 2, wherein the light source unit is configured to be capable of individually switching between emitting and stopping emission of the identification light from each of the plurality of optical output ports.

[0151] (Item 6) a plurality of first identification operation units provided corresponding to the plurality of optical output ports and configured to receive an operation input for instructing emission of the identification light for each optical output port; Item 6. The light irradiation device according to item 5, wherein the control unit controls the light source unit to emit identification light from a light output port corresponding to a first identification operation unit that has received an operation input from among the multiple first identification operation units.

[0152] (Item 7) 3. The light irradiation device according to item 2, wherein the light source unit is configured to be capable of simultaneously emitting identification light having different on / off patterns per unit time from each of the multiple light output ports.

[0153] (Item 8) a second identification operation unit provided for each of the plurality of optical output ports and configured to receive an operation input for instructing emission of the identification light from the plurality of optical output ports; Item 8. The light irradiation device according to item 7, wherein the control unit controls the light source unit to emit identification light having different patterns from each of the multiple light output ports in response to an operation input to the second identification operation unit.

[0154] (Item 9) The light source unit includes a first light source that generates therapeutic light of a first wavelength, 2. The light irradiation device according to item 1, wherein the identification light is light of a first wavelength generated from a first light source and has a lower intensity than the therapeutic light.

[0155] (Item 10) a light detection unit that receives an output end of any one of the plurality of light guiding members and detects light output from the output end; 2. The light irradiation device according to item 1, wherein the control unit is configured to execute a calibration process for adjusting the output intensity of the therapeutic light at each of the plurality of light output ports based on a detection result of the light detection unit.

[0156] (Item 11) The control unit determining whether the calibration process has been completed normally based on a comparison between the detection result of the light detection unit and a preset value of the therapeutic light emission intensity; Item 11. The light irradiation device according to item 10, configured to control the light source unit to emit identification light when the calibration process is normally completed.

[0157] (Item 12) 1. A method for controlling a light irradiation device for irradiating a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light, comprising the steps of: a step of emitting an identification light having an intensity lower than that of the therapeutic light from each of the plurality of light output ports to which the plurality of light guide members are connected, thereby illuminating the plurality of light guide members connected to each of the plurality of light output ports in an identifiable manner; and emitting therapeutic light from each of a plurality of light output ports. [Explanation of symbols]

[0158] 10 Light source section 12 Optical output port 13a 1st light source 13b 2nd light source 20 Light guide member 21 Incidence end 22 Output end 30 Control section 40 Light detection unit 60 Light blocking glasses 73a 1st identification operation section 73b 2nd identification operation section 80 therapeutic light 90 Identification light 100 Light irradiation device 101 Patient (Subject) 101a Treatment area 102 Drugs 110 credit hours

Claims

1. A light irradiation device for irradiating a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light, comprising: a light source unit including a plurality of optical output ports configured to emit the therapeutic light and an identification light having an intensity lower than that of the therapeutic light from each of the optical output ports; a plurality of light guiding members each having an incident end connected to any one of the plurality of light output ports of the light source unit and an exit end that emits light incident from the incident end; A control unit that controls the light source unit, the control unit is configured to control the light-guiding members connected to each of the plurality of light output ports to be identifiably lit by emitting the identification light from each of the plurality of light output ports.

2. 2. The light irradiation device according to claim 1, wherein the light source unit is configured to emit, from each of the plurality of light output ports, the therapeutic light having a first wavelength and the identifying light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength.

3. 3. The light irradiation device according to claim 2, wherein the second wavelength of the identification light is a wavelength other than a first band of light blocking glasses that block a first band of light that includes the first wavelength of the therapeutic light, and is a wavelength within a range of visible light.

4. 3. The light irradiation device according to claim 2, wherein the light source unit includes a first light source that generates the therapeutic light and a second light source that generates the identification light, and is configured to be able to emit the therapeutic light and the identification light independently from each other from the plurality of light output ports.

5. The light irradiation device according to claim 2 , wherein the light source unit is configured to be capable of individually switching between emitting and stopping the emission of the identification light from each of the plurality of optical output ports.

6. a plurality of first identification operation units provided corresponding to the plurality of optical output ports and configured to receive an operation input for instructing emission of the identification light for each optical output port; 6. The light irradiation device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit controls the light source unit to emit the identification light from a light output port corresponding to a first identification operation unit that has received an operation input from among the plurality of first identification operation units.

7. The light irradiation device according to claim 2 , wherein the light source unit is configured to be capable of simultaneously emitting the identification light having different on / off patterns per unit time from each of the plurality of optical output ports.

8. a second identification operation unit provided for each of the plurality of optical output ports and configured to receive an operation input for instructing emission of the identification light from the plurality of optical output ports; The light irradiation device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit controls the light source unit to emit the identification light having the different patterns from each of the plurality of light output ports in response to an operation input to the second identification operation unit.

9. the light source unit includes a first light source that generates the therapeutic light of a first wavelength, The light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification light is light having the first wavelength generated from the first light source and has an intensity lower than that of the therapeutic light.

10. a light detection unit that receives the output end of any one of the plurality of light guiding members and detects light output from the output end, The light irradiation device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is configured to execute a calibration process for adjusting an intensity of the therapeutic light at each of the plurality of light output ports based on a detection result of the light detection unit.

11. The control unit is determining whether the calibration process has been normally completed based on a comparison between the detection result of the light detection unit and a preset intensity of the therapeutic light; The light irradiation device according to claim 10 , further comprising: a control unit configured to cause the light source unit to emit the identification light when the calibration process is normally completed.

12. 1. A method for controlling a light irradiation device for irradiating a treatment target site of a subject to which a drug containing a photosensitizer has been administered with therapeutic light, comprising the steps of: a control unit of the light irradiation device controls a plurality of light output ports to emit an identification light having an intensity lower than that of the therapeutic light from each of the plurality of light output ports to which the plurality of light guide members are connected, thereby illuminating the plurality of light guide members connected to each of the plurality of light output ports in an identifiable manner; a step of causing the control unit to emit the therapeutic light from each of the plurality of light output ports.

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